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As most of you have probably already noticed that this week has been pretty cold. So here is an article that I found, which I believe will be very helpful to you.

Winter is here and that means rain (Yay!) and cold temperatures. When the temperatures drop, here are a few things that car owners should be aware of for safety’s sake.

Tire pressure may drop on cold days and your tire pressure sensors may say you have a flat. Chances are high that the air inside your tire is compressed, so stop by any gas station and make sure you refill to the proper amount of air in your tires.

Speaking of tires, how is your tread? If your tires are worn or balding, avoid dangerous hydroplaning and bring your vehicle in for a new set of tires.

Make sure all your lights are working. In wintertime, most of us spend more time driving to and from work in the dark. Be sure your license plate light, tail lights, head lights, interior lights, and other safety lights are operating properly.

Be sure your antifreeze levels are where they should be. Antifreeze prevents pipes from bursting due to expansion when water freezes. Having plenty of antifreeze is a simple and affordable way to protect your automotive engine.

Carry a bright flashlight inside your vehicle. If you get a flat tire at night, you’ll need a bright light to help you see what you’re doing. A lot of people resort to the flashlight apps on their smartphones, but all too often the battery quickly gets drained, and the light is not bright enough. Besides, carrying a bright flashlight will serve you well on multiple occasions.

We are here to help you all, so if you have any concerns or just not sure if your car is safe this winter, do come and visit our workshop – 2 Saville Road, Peterborough, PE3 7PR or give us a call on – 01733 687101.

Good Morning, thanks for visiting my blog, this morning as you know was very foggy, so I thought its my responsibility to let you know on any tips or tricks in driving in the fog. Below is an article that I found which I think you will find very interesting.

Driving safely on today’s roads demands more skill and better judgment than ever before, especially under hostile weather conditions. Here we concentrate on the challenge of fog. This dangerous meteorological condition emerges most often in spring and autumn. As always, the familiar plea from auto clubs, experts, and law enforcement organizations not to drive too fast or too close must be heeded.

Driving in heavy fog is like driving with a blindfold on. Statistically it’s the most dangerous driving hazard in existence. No matter how important the trip is, it’s not worth gambling your life. By far the safest thing to do if you run into fog is to move well off the road and wait for the fog to lift. However, the simple and safe solution is not always the most practical, so read on to find out what driving procedures should be followed in fog.

When driving in fog, reduce your speed and turn on your headlights. Think about how far they can see and how long it will take you to stop. Keep an eye on your speedometer. Studies show that some drivers acclimate themselves to foggy conditions and unconsciously increase their speed over time. Make sure that you can be seen. Turn on your fog lights, and make sure your high beams aren’t turned on by accident. High beams direct light up into the fog, making it difficult for you to see. Low beams direct light down onto the road and help other drivers to see you. Most European cars have a switch that turns on extra-bright auxiliary rear fog lamps. American and Asian vehicles lack this important safety feature. Don’t rely on your parking lights alone: they do little to increase your visibility in daytime fog. Don’t use your emergency flasher. Studies have shown that drivers are attracted to flashing lights and tend to drive into them inadvertently.

Whatever you do, don’t turn off your headlights in heavy fog, even if they interfere with your forward visibility a little. Headlights are the only part of your vehicle that oncoming drivers can see at a distance. Don’t stop in the middle of a roadway either — that guarantees you’ll be rear-ended. If you can’t continue, pull well onto the shoulder, getting your vehicle completely off the road.

Use the left edge of the road (aka fog line) as a guide rather than the center line, to avoid running into oncoming traffic or becoming distracted by their headlights. Think about what other drivers see when they’re behind you. If you drive with your emergency flashers on or keep tapping your brake pedal, you’ll make them nervous and they may try and pass you, a procedure that places both your lives in danger. Always use your defroster and windscreen wipers in foggy conditions and remember that the problems of fog driving become greater at night.

Stepped-up traffic monitoring, police enforcement, or roadway design cannot prevent crashes in poor visibility. More consideration should be given to closing down major highways shrouded in thick fog, just as they’re currently closed when a blizzard occurs. Even though most drivers slow down to some degree, the big problem is getting everyone to drive at a safe, constant speed.

The best advice we can give to drivers confronted with thick fog is to get off the road as soon as possible. If you can’t or won’t pull off the road we offer the following advice:

Keep your minimum safety gap to three seconds in ideal conditions; with the decreased visibility fog causes, this interval should be increased substantially.

Slow down. Most fog-related traffic fatalities occur because someone was driving too fast and couldn’t stop in time to avoid a collision.

Make sure that you can be seen. Turn on your fog lights, and use low beams. High beams direct light up into the fog making it difficult for you to see. Low beams direct light down onto the road and help other drivers to see you.

If you leave the road, be sure to pull off completely. Turn off your driving lights and turn on your flashers so others know you’re there but won’t think you are driving on the road.

Always use your defroster and windscreen wipers in foggy conditions to keep the windows clear.

Keep an eye on your speedometer and maintain a slow, constant speed.

Remember that other drivers have a limited sight distance and that fog can leave roadways slick. Signal early, and when you use your brakes, don’t stomp on them.

Drive safe this winter!

Swapnil Garg

For more information please follow this link below and fill out the details and one of our staff members will contact you straight away!

Losing control of your car while driving in the rain can be a terrifying experience. Every year, rain has been the cause of thousands of accidents. Sporadic rain during the year causes many people to forget how to drive in it.

Drive with caution.Wet roadways present special challenges – low visibility, longer braking distances, reduced traction, and less control – making it more important than ever to drive defensively.

Stopping distance.When driving in the rain, a car’s stopping distance is reduced by a factor of two. On wet roads, increase your stopping distance and reduce your speed.

Keep your windows clean.Rain will fog up your windows, so turn on both front and rear window defrosters and your air conditioning. Use quality window washer fluid, and make sure your window wipers work properly.

Avoid hydroplaning.Hydroplaning occurs when the tires of your car rise up on a film of water causing you to slide and lose contact with the roadway. To avoid hydroplaning when driving in the rain, drivers should slow down or release their foot off the accelerator, avoid braking hard, refrain from making sharp turns, and drive in the tire tracks of the car ahead of you.

Avoid standing water or flooded roads.Driving through flooded roadways is a bad idea, because if water enters your exhaust pipe, the water can get into your engine, stall your car and cause costly damage to your vehicle.

Know your vehicle.Conditions can change quickly, and you need to be able to react accordingly. Make sure you know where the windshield wiper controls, defrost, air conditioner, or fan are located before you encounter bad weather.

Avoid Cruise Control.Cruise control works great when it’s not raining, but you have a greater chance of losing control of your car during wet weather when your cruise control is engaged. When driving in the rain, you need to be more cautious and may need to reduce speed more often by lifting your foot off the accelerator. This can’t be done if you are using cruise control.

Know how to respond to a skid.If you do lose control over your vehicle and find yourself skidding, remain calm, slowly take your foot off the accelerator, and cautiously steer into the direction that you want the front of your car to go. Be prepared to steer until the front of your car is straight and you regain control of your vehicle. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake firmly as you steer into the skid. For cars without ABS, avoid using your brakes.

Drive slower.When you drive slower in the rain, it reduces your car’s chances of hydroplaning, increases your stopping distance between you and the car in front of you, and gives you more time to react to avoid any situations where you need to stop or slow down.

10. Allow more travel time. Give yourself more travel time so that you can drive more slowly, prepare yourself for unexpected detours or disabled stop lights, and deal with heavy traffic caused by rainfall.

Drowsy driving can has a significant impact on road safety, and it is estimated that drowsy drivers are involved in an about 12.5% of fatal crashes. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s annual Traffic Safety Culture Index, more than a third of drivers admit to falling asleep behind the wheel at some point of their lives, and more than 1 in 10 have been involved with the act of drowsy driving with in the past year.

According to a survey from DME automotive, people are combating drowsy driving in the wrong ways, opting for ineffective answers that do little to lessen their drowsiness. The results of this drowsy driving survey showed drivers are far more likely to drink caffeine, play loud music, pull over to exercise or stretch, open windows, and turn up air conditioning — all of which do little or nothing to lessen the effects of drowsy driving.

The results of the survey demonstrated a lack of awareness regarding the dangers of drowsy driving, and the effectiveness of different strategies to stay awake.

Some of the best ways to combat drowsy driving (that actually work) include:

Planning to get sufficient sleep before driving.
2. Avoiding even small amounts of alcohol.
3. Limiting driving between midnight and 6 a.m.
4. Switching driving duties with a passenger who is well rested.
5. Taking a short nap (about 15 to 20 minutes) and consuming caffeine equivalent to two cups of coffee is a temporary fix and should only be used to get you somewhere where you can sleep and regroup.

The other strategies to improve alertness when sleepy, such as opening a window or listening to the radio, have not been proven effective. Drowsy driving can be just as drunk driving, and drowsy drivers present an unnecessary risk to both themselves and everyone around them.

If you have anything you would like us to help with please contact us now on 01733 687 101 or visit our website at Peterborough Body Repair.

When vehicle owners are involved in car accidents, one of the first things they must do is to contact a reliable and trustworthy body shop. Review websites like Google can help folks find a good auto body shop, but after dropping off their vehicles they may have a few questions about the repair.

Here are the top three concerns heard from customers regarding their repair:

Paint. One major concern from customers is the ability to get an exact paint match for the damaged areas of the vehicle. It’s important for a shop to use the latest painting systems and techniques that auto manufacturers use in the original factory paint jobs on their cars.

Repair shops can also find the colour code for the original paint by using the car’s identification plate (sometimes called the Service Parts Identification). This, along with the right techniques, can help you achieve a perfect colour match.

Drivability of the vehicle. Customers have concerns about the drivability of the vehicle after the repairs are completed. Some people worry that after a few minor drives will affect the fresh paint work or the alloy that is now nice and shiny. Peterborough Body Repair offers 1 Year Quality Guarantee on all our work, so you can drive easy.

Frame damage. If the customer’s vehicle was towed to the auto body shop in a twisted wreck, they want to know if the shop has the ability to repair frame damage the vehicle may have suffered in a collision. It was almost impossible to repair vehicles with a bent car frames in the past. Today, customers should know that auto body repair shops use the most advanced alignment machines and sophisticated repair equipment to repair damaged car frames, so that it exceeds the original specs from the car manufacturer.

There is no question that the auto body industry is changing. The success of our business requires not only the right automotive expertise, but also the ability to provide excellent customer service that puts the customer at ease. Every step of the repair process provides an opportunity to build our reputation and encourage repeat and referral business.

If you have anything you would like us to help with please contact us now on 01733 687 101 or visit our website at Peterborough Body Repair.

Top Auto Body Repair Tips for Consumers

Getting into a car accident and then being surprised by a high estimate for the auto body repair costs makes a bad situation even worse. Considering how expensive auto body repairs can be, it is very important to know how to handle a car accident before and after it happens – especially if the cause of the accident was your fault.

Helpful Auto Body Repair Tips

Anticipate auto body repair costs.Knowing that an auto body repair can be quite expensive. Before filing the claim check to see how much your current collision deductible is on your auto insurance policy. Most deductibles can range from £250 – £1,000, if you chose to file a claim, know that you will be paying the full deductible amount. . Keep in mind that if you do file a claim your insurance premium will most likely increase at your next renewal. Therefore you may want to get an estimate from a qualified auto body shop before filing the claim.

Read auto body repair shop review and recommendations.Reviews are the next best way of referral, second to word of mouth. You can find reviews online for almost anything. 90% of Auto Body Repair shops don’t use reviews as a means of showing customers what they can do, this is a huge flaw in our opinion. A lot of our work is via referral via word of mouth or our Google Reviews. It allows potential customer to get an idea of the work and service they will be getting.

Visit an auto body repair shop. Call or visit auto body shops in your area. The best time to call or visit an auto repair shop is after the morning rush. Visiting an auto body repair shop when they are busy may not be the ideal time to get the full attention of the shop staff.

Get everything in writing.Most customers and insurers require that auto body repair shops give you a written estimate. Make sure you have the opportunity to review the estimate before the shop begins your repair. When you pick up your car, make sure you compare the written estimate to the final bill to verify that everything matches. Don’t be afraid to ask the auto body shop about any discrepancies.

Verify your insurance coverage for a rental car.You’ll need to know what your insurance policy will cover when it comes to getting a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop. For example, if you need a bigger vehicle like an SUV or van to fit your lifestyle, you should be aware if your insurance only reimburses you for the rental of a compact car. By checking your policy in advance, you can re-evaluate as needed to avoid future problems and fees.

If you have anything you would like us to help with please contact us now on 01733 687 101 or visit our website at Peterborough Body Repair.

When it comes to you vehicle, damage can come from almost anything, and in all shapes and forms. From scratches to broken windows, flat tires to the dreaded dents and dings, you can always be prepared for the unfortunate accumulation of damage to your car or van.

We see everything in Peterborough, as an established body repair centre, we have all the scratch repairs, dent repairs, alloy wheel refurbs aswell.

If you’re looking to keep your vehicle in good looking form or presentable to the public, then you want to repair any and all damage that can be seen on the exterior.

Dents come in all shapes and sizes depending on what caused them to begin with. If your handy with tools then your local automotive retailer might sell a DIY dent repair kit that can repair those pesky minor dents. For major eyesore dents you’ll want to hire a professional dent repair specialist with the tools and know-how to repair the dent properly.

Ultimately knowing what type of dent you’re looking at will help you decide which way to go.

THE 3 TYPES OF DENTS YOU COMMONLY SEE

Car Dings – These types of dents are more common because they tend to be caused by smaller objects or pokes, and are usually easy to repair as long as no damage to the vehicles paint has occurred.

Round Dents – This type of dent can be caused from hailstones or a similarly round object (football, baseball, basketball, etc.) hitting the car and causing a dimple on the door, bumper, roof or hood.

Crease Type Dents – Crease dents usually bends and tears the car’s metal. When a vehicle is being produced, the car has its own metal memory formed; this is done by heating the metal and shaping it to the design required. When an automobile acquires a crease type dent, it is possible to lose the metal memory making it hard to repair back to original shape.

With PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR (PDR) most non-collision dents, like the ding and round dents can be repaired. Common dents that are caused by other car doors and storms that produce hail stones, are permanently removed with PDR. Most IMPACT PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR clients are amazed and wish they would have known about this repair service before.

In Peterborough we can get most PDR done at a cost effective price. Rather than spraying a car, we have found that this method has proven very successful.

If you have a dent and would like to know how PDR can help you, want a quote or more information regarding our paintless dent repair services, CONTACT US today!

We all get excited at the prospect of purchasing a new car, after all if you have a long commute to work or regularly go on long road trips then it’s where you will often spend a large chunk of your day.

Buying a used car is often the easiest way to find your dream car plus it’s great for your finances too. Most new cars lose around 40% of their value in their first year of being on the road making used cars a great option if your budget is tight.

Whilst there are risks to purchasing a used car if you follow our top tips and guidelines you should minimize the risks and drive away with the car of your dreams.

Research

It’s an obvious one but make sure you thoroughly research the type of car you want. Take lifestyle factors into consideration too. Whether you need your vehicle for your daily commute, require a large boot for equipment or shopping, or have a family to fit in will all impact on the model of car you need. Think about the types of journeys you typically do and if you have another vehicle to use then consider how it will differ from your current car.

Once you’ve established your needs then you’re ready to pick the make and model of your new vehicle. Research which makes have the best reputation and remember to consider the running costs of your vehicle; fuel, tax and insurance will all vary from car to car.

Private Seller VS Dealer

Choosing between a private seller and car dealer can be a tricky one, with both having positives and negatives.

If you choose to buy from a private seller then you will often find you can get a cheaper deal sourced through online traders such as Auto Trader, auctions or media adverts. Private sellers can prove risky if you have issues with the car after you’ve made your purchase. No protection is offered under the Sale of Goods Act, however the car still needs to be described.

Purchasing through a car dealer is often more expensive however it does offer much more protection. Car dealers may also be able to offer you options to finance your car rather than paying the full amount upfront. Dealers will also have stricter regulations and policies in place which will guard you far better in the long run should something go wrong, especially if you are under warranty.

If you have questions related to the vehicle you’re interested in then make sure you ask questions and get responses in writing in case you need these as evidence at a later date.

Test Drive

Taking the car for a test drive before you purchase is essential before you hand over any payments. It’s your chance to see how the car operates and check everything is as it seems.

Firstly, make sure the car is comfortable for you and your passengers and ensure you are able to reach all the controls and pedals easily. Ensure the car has the space you require, if you need buggy space or room for bulky equipment then check to see if it fits.

Before you take it for a spin make sure you check the bodywork of the car for any damages and scratches which could indicate the car has been in an accident. If you spot any damages then bodywork is often repairable, at Peterborough Body Work we can remove dents, scratches, bumper scuffs and complete alloy wheel refurbishments. You should also check the oil levels and look for any leaks to see how well the car has been maintained.

When you take it out listen out for any untoward noises and check the car runs smoothly. Make sure that the gearbox, brakes and clutch are trouble free and take it for a thorough drive through all the gears to ensure you are happy.

If you have any questions on how it drives or any suspicions then make sure to ask the seller and challenge them if you are unsure of the condition of the car.

Know your Documents

Before you confirm your purchase make sure the car has the correct documentation and the car’s identity matches its records. You can verify the car’s details on the DVLA’s website and confirm the year of manufacture, date the car was registered, engine capacity, color and tax rate. Take a look at the current and previous MOT certificates and confirm the cars history and check reasons for any failures.

If your budget allows then you can pay for a private history check to be conducted. This will confirm if the car has any outstanding finance, been reported stolen, had an accident and confirm the mileage.

Trade In Old Car

If you are purchasing from a car dealer then you may have the option to trade in your current car to reduce the cost of your purchase. If you choose to do this then make sure you know the value of your car beforehand to ensure you get the current market value for it. You can check the current value of your car online at sites such as We Buy Any Car, who will also purchase your car from you if you wish.

Be Prepared to Haggle

Used cars are ready to be haggled and the majority of dealers will often quote higher as they are used to being challenged on price. When haggling consider the condition of the car and whether you picked up on anything you weren’t happy with during the test drive. Once you’ve finalised the price then make sure you confirm what will be included in the cost and ensure you have written confirmation of this.

The safest way to purchase a car is with a credit card as you are then protected under the Consumer Credit Act. If you are purchasing from a dealer via the internet then the Distance Selling Regulations entitle you to a 7 day cooling off period if you change your mind.

However you purchase, make sure you get a signed and dated receipt with yours and the sellers name and address, vehicle details and price.

By following our simple tips and knowing your legal rights when purchasing a used vehicle you should be able to purchase your dream car hassle free.

Breaking down is a drivers worst nightmare at the best of times but the thought of breaking down in winter and being stranded roadside definitely sends chills down your spine. Unfortunately, during winter breakdowns are more common as the cold weather and challenging road conditions can expose your car to faults and failures.

However, you don’t need to live in fear of breaking down and getting your car breakdown proofed is easy to do with our 10 steps to get your car winter ready.

Check Tyres

When preparing your car for winter, one of the most important steps you can take is checking your car tyres. You should be aiming to have a tread of at least 2mm but 3mm will put you at the top of the class. If you can afford to then switching to winter or all season tyres with a high silica content will help to prevent tread hardening at low temperatures and improve road grip.

Prepare for Emergencies

You may already have a small emergency kit in the boot of your car but updating it for the winter season is always a good idea. Depending on where you live and the types of roads you drive on a daily basis will dictate what you keep in your kit.

Always carry with you a blanket, some water and snacks so no matter how long you breakdown for you always have warmth and food. A torch, jump leads, ice scraper, de-icer and a reflective jacket are all other essentials which may help you during an emergency. If you regularly drive on remote roads then you may also wish to carry a shovel, salt – to clear snow and ice, cardboard or carpet – to gain traction under tyres, tow rope and snow chains.

Be Battery Wise

Your car battery is responsible for powering the starter motor, igniting the ignition and powering your lights. During winter more strain is put upon your car battery as you will more than likely increase the usage of your lights, windscreen wipers and heater.

To avoid your battery running low on charge it’s recommended you avoid using heaters for any longer than necessary once windows have cleared, and turn off electricals which are non-essential before starting your vehicle.

Visibility

A clear windscreen is essential when driving during treacherous winter conditions. In fact if your windscreen isn’t cleared properly then you could face a fine. Clear any dirt, snow, rain or mist from your windscreen before you set off on the roads. Ensure your windscreen wipers are fit for use, top up your windscreen wash with winter friendly fluid and you’re good to go.

Lights

Checking your lights before you pull away will ensure you can see the road ahead clearly. Turn your lights on and then get out the car to check that both the front and tail lights are working correctly. If there has been frost or snow overnight then make sure you clean your car lights properly to ensure other drivers can see your vehicle clearly.

Check your Brakes

Your brakes are perhaps the most important item in your cars system so checking the brakes are in working order and meeting the correct stopping distances is essential. During winter stopping distances are increased and whilst brakes are checked during a cars MOT service it’s always worth checking them throughout the year.

Top up your Oil

If you’re savvy about your car maintenance then it’s more than likely that you regularly check the oil level in your vehicle. However, during winter cold weather can thicken engine oil increasing the work the battery has to do. A thinner oil will prevent the battery from overworking itself and keep your car running smoothly.

Antifreeze

Even during the cold months your engine still needs to be cooled, so checking the coolant level is essential during winter. Combining an equal mixture of coolant with water is recommended to prevent freezing. Coolant is inexpensive to purchase and you can check which type is right for your car in your vehicle handbook.

Warm up your Car

When you’re in a rush it can be tempting to jump in the car and whizz off before you’ve even checked to see if the car is winter road worthy. Warming up your car beforehand will not only make the morning commute easier to cope with but will also let you perform your road checks a little easier such as scraping ice off your car.

Winter Proof your Driveway

Winter proofing your driveway will make your getaway easy and less dangerous during winter. Sprinkling salt on your drive and walkways will make pulling away safer and make icy driveways a thing of the past.

So winter is here and from next week, we are expecting a lot of snow and more icy conditions. Don’t know about you but I am not looking forward to that.

Before I started this business I never really payed much focus on my car and what needs to be in my car during the winter period so thought this is an area that a lot of people forget to check.

Thought this would be a great idea for a blog with us doing all kinds of car body repair in Peterborough.

Part of winter preparation should include checking your car and putting together a few things that should live in your boot over the next few months. There are the essentials and the added extra’s – it all depends how much time and how far you will be travelling in your car.

THE ESSENTIALS

When travelling during winter – it is essential that you have the basics in your car, store them in your boot, they might just come in handy.

Anti freeze

Screenwash concentrate

De-ice spray

Ice-scraper

Foldable shovel

De-mist pad

Snow socks

Torch and batteries

First aid kit

Tyre traction

Jumper cables

Blanket

Visibility vest

Gloves

Scarf

Warm clothes

Whistle

Water

Universal bulb kit

THE ADDED EXTRA’S

Perhaps you experience heavy snowfall where you live or you are travelling long distances to work everyday, then it’s up to you to add the extra’s.

The AA Ultimate Winter Car Kit at a price of £49.99 direct from there website it can be a little on the pricey side but definitely includes everything you will need in your vehicle over the snow and ice months.

If you are unfortunate enough to have an accident during the cold and icy period give the team at Peterborough Body Repair a call. Whether its alloy wheel refurbs, a complete respray or a scratch repair our friendly team can help you out.

Take advantage of our 30% offer for the Winter only where you will be able to repair all them little dings and catch yourself a winter saving!